How caretakers of paraplegics deal with the overload of activities on a daily basis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate how domiciliary caregivers of people with spinal cord injuries deal with the overload of caring on a daily basis. Method: This was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach with formal and informal caregivers of paraplegics who are users of two rehabilitation institutions located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis of content. Results:The reports evidenced two categories: "Understanding to take care better of another"; and "Evaluating the overload of care for others". Conclusion: The understanding of the conflicts in the person with spinal cord injury must be the premise for the home caregiver to exercise their activities without further damage and overload that could render them unable to meet their needs.